The Business of Ministry / Acts 6:1-7

Key Point #1 A healthy church is a bible-centered church where leaders are focused on the mission and address weaknesses in faith, working towards maturity.

Good Things Beget New Problems Act 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,

Good Things Beget New Problems Act 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, Isa 9:3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, [and] not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, [and] as [men] rejoice when they divide the spoil.

Good Things Beget New Problems Act 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews,

Good Things Beget New Problems Act 6:1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Addressing The Problem 1 …there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Addressing The Need People Murmuring 1 …there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Key Point #2 Christians must be critical of our imaginations, promote a heart of submission and guard against a murmuring mouth.

Addressing The Need Perceived Mismanagement 1 …there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

Key Point #3 A good leader is always critical of their own ministry so others don’t have to be

Addressing The Need Purpose of the Pastor 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples [unto them], and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

1Ti 3:1 This [is] a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; 3 Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; 4 One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; 5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) 6 Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Key Point #4 A good pastor knows his primary responsibilities and prioritizes them accordingly

The Plan The Solution? More leadership…we always need more faithful leaders!

The Plan Participation Acts6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples... 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report

The Plan Participation Acts6:2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples... 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report Pro 11:14 Where no counsel [is], the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors [there is] safety.

Key Point #5 Good leaders always seek counsel on big decisions.

The Plan Participation Pre-requisite (1 Tim 3:8) Acts 6:3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom,

Key Point #6 A good leader has proven character and proven ability before they are appointed to a position

The Plan Participation Pre-requisite Priorities 3 Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Key Question: Does your life exemplify the life of a deacon?

Pleased 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:

Prayer 6 Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid [their] hands on them. - The significance of prayer: Acts 4:24-35 - The significance of ordination: Mat 24:45; Acts 20:28; Titus 1:5; 1 Tim 5:22; Luke 12:46

Profit 7 And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.